The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC), a non-profit professional credentialing organization of proven financial professionals, awards the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)1 designation to those practitioners who are truly committed to ethical standards and continuous professional education.

Kaplan University’s online program is recognized by the IARFC as the requisite coursework and examination requirement necessary for designation while the overall educational experience creates a waiver of the four-year work experience requirement.

Successful completion of Kaplan University’s online program will grant you immediate eligibility to receive your RFC designation.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN IARFC AND RFC DESIGNATION

The IARFC is the fastest growing professional organization in financial services.  Membership is growing at 3% per month and has just crossed the 6,000 number, reflecting steady growth since 2000 when the total was only 648.

Benefits include:

• Opportunity for dual credentials - RFC and CFP®2.
• Community and constituency recognition as a member of an elite organization.
• Access to business-building opportunities - leads from the Client Referral System, networking opportunities at annual educational cruises/conferences, plus, service and other marketing discounts.

What Is IARFC?
The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) is a nonprofit professional credentialing organization of proven financial professionals formed to foster public confidence in the financial planning profession, to help financial advisors exchange planning techniques, and to give deserved recognition to those practitioners who are truly committed to ethical standards and continuous professional education. The IARFC awards the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designation.

How Does the RFC Compare to the CFP® Certification?
Financial planners have experience in many fields, including accounting, law, banking, life and health insurance, casualty insurance, finance, business management, taxes, and investments. Various designations may attest to a financial planner's competence and integrity. Both the RFC designation and CFP® certification are highly respected credentials with consumers and constituents.

Can I Still Earn My CFP® Certification?
Yes, of course. Many financial planners maintain multiple credentials emphasizing their professionalism, including such designations and/or certifications as RFC, CFP®, ChFC, CPA, CLU, and CPCU. In fact, one natural financial consulting career path is to complete the Certificate in Financial Planning, thus obtaining the RFC designation, establish your financial consulting business to meet CFP® certification experience requirements, and as you build your career seek CFP® certification.

How Do I Maintain the RFC Designation?
To publicize the impressive RFC designation to clients and constituents, IARFC will award to graduates of the Kaplan University Certificate in Financial Planning a Registered Financial Consultant parchment certificate suitable for framing and office display. Additionally, as a congratulatory gesture to all new Kaplan University RFC designees, the first six months of IARFC membership fees are waived. As is customary with all RFC designees desiring to maintain their RFC designation in good standing, Kaplan University graduates will be required to annually renew their membership in IARFC and to complete the requisite forty units (hours) of professional continuing education credits.

How Many Hold the RFC Designation?
The prestigious RFC credential is held by more than 6,000 financial consulting professionals. IARFC maintains strict compliance for its RFC designees. The seven hallmarks for RFCs include education, examination, ethics, experience, licensing, continued conduct, and continuing education.

What Are the Membership Benefits?
Continuing membership in IARFC brings additional business-building benefits to the RFC professional, including leads from the Client Referral System; The Register, a monthly financial newsletter for practitioners; Financial Services Advisor magazine with practice management features and successful marketing techniques; Financial Insider, a consumer financial newsletter and other brochures to help promote services; networking opportunities at annual educational cruises/conferences; plus many more services and cost-saving opportunities.

How Can I Promote My RFC Designation?
One of the significant benefits of being an RFC is simultaneous IARFC membership. Members network to promote community among financial consultants. Periodicals and brochures assist members with their own business promotion through conveying of “best practices.” Through cooperative efforts, RFCs promote not only the RFC designation but also the benefits to consumers of financial consulting.

How Does the KU/IARFC Alliance Benefit Me?

1. Respected professional designation awarded upon graduation.
2. Dual credentials of RFC and CFP® may be earned.
3. There is no “test prep” required as with the rigorous CFP® Certification Examination.
4. Community and constituency recognition as a member of an elite organization.